The four friends had enjoyed their time in Cambodia. They had known each other for many years, and taken a number of holidays together. All in their 50s, they had managed to empty their nests and had started to enjoy some travel, both as individual couples and as a group together. They lived in Australian cities about 600 miles apart, so chances to get together were not as frequent as they would have liked.
Brigitta was a little younger than the others, and her Scandinavian heritage showed in her accent, white blonde hair and petite figure. She was a physical therapist, and kept very fit. Her husband Richard had recently retired after a long career as a pilot, and he too practiced yoga and stayed fit. Alex also had recently retired as a solicitor, and was enjoying his leisure, while Mia was still working in medical research and enjoying herself doing it.
After a wonderful night at the Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap, the foursome were enjoying cocktails in their hotel, and thinking that the night was too young for them to retire. The cocktails were slipping down easily, and Brigitta finally said:
"How would you feel about a double couples massage? When we were here last time with David and Julia, they took us to this lovely place not all that far from here. The people were fabulous and the experience really opened us up to some new possibilities. You might find it life-changing."
"Sounds intriguing", said Mia, "But how will the four of us get a massage at once, and how many people will it take to, er, do us?"
Richard joined in "Not a problem, Mia, there's a big room with double beds and showers, and each couple will be massaged by a wonderful young lady. The girls we had last time were very skilled, and it was somehow unifying to just have one person for us both.
"The only thing is that, for the type of massage it is, we will all need to be naked. There's a divider in the room between the beds though, which we can pull down if we want."
"Wow", said Alex, "You know, all these years we've known each other, we've never gotten naked together. If you all are OK with that, I'm happy."
"Absolutely," said Richard, "It's fabulous, and I promise you will never be the same. One thing you need to be prepared for though, is that it's an intensely erotic experience. The girls are very skilled in the ancient love arts of Cambodia, and they are very pleased to be able to pass on some of the skills they've learned to people like us. Brigitta and I have been prepared to seek some amazing new experiences since coming here."
"Erotic?" said Mia, "you mean it goes beyond my usual massage? Actually that's kind of nice. I've often thought it would be good to go a bit beyond the post-golf and workout massages I get at the club from Hans."
"I thought you had a bit of a thing for Hans, darling," said Alex, "I have to admit you have good taste."
"You know you're always my number one, Alex."
"You mean there's a number two, and three, and more?"
"Well, not yet, but maybe we might get a new perspective on that question tonight. It sounds like Richard and Brigitta might have some stories to share with us. In the meantime I could use another cocktail for Dutch courage."
After a couple more drinks while Brigitta made phone calls to arrange their session and to give some direction to the masseurs, the four piled into a tuk-tuk for the 15 minute journey in the hectic traffic. The driver knew the place, of course, and asked if they would like him to wait for them afterwards. Brigitta decided it would be better if they let him go, as they did not know how long they would be, but at least a couple of hours.
"That seems like a long time for a massage" said Mia.
"Well, it's a bit more than just a massage, and I promise you, you will not be disappointed," said Brigitta mysteriously.
The massage centre was modern and clean and dimly lit with candles and lamps. They were met by the owner, who in turn introduced them to two young women, barefoot and identically dressed in red silk kimonos, named Jorani and Rithy. The girls smiled graciously and motioned to the changing rooms. Mai and Brigitta went with Jorani, and Alex and Richard with Rithy. The girls handed each of them a black silk kimono, and indicated they should take off all their clothing and shower before putting on the garment. The two rooms and showers were separated only by a blind, which could be rolled up. The girls asked if the couples would like the blinds up, and Mai said:
"I don't think we're quite ready for that yet"
Alex saw the look that passed between Richard and Brigitta which said: "Maybe that will change"
After drying off, the couples came into the massage room, which had two large firm beds, separated by another blind. Richard and Brigitta went into the left hand room with Jorani, and Alex and Mai to the other with Rithy. The girls quickly removed their kimonos, revealing beautifully toned young bodies, and indicated to their guests that they should do the same and lie down on their stomachs.
As the couples watched fascinated, each masseur then picked up a small vase of warmed oil, and began to spread it over her body. The girls then gently climbed onto the bed and lay on each man's back, taking time to apply the oil with their body from the toes to the neck. They then calmly moved over and did the same to each of the women, so that each person was now coated with a thin layer of exquisitely scented oil.
